Your support helps preserve our history and keep heritage alive in Dunfanaghy. Support Our Work.
Your support helps preserve our history and keep heritage alive in Dunfanaghy. Support Our Work.
Answers to common questions about visiting The Workhouse
The Workhouse is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily from February to November. It is closed from December to January except for pre arranged bookings.
The Workhouse is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm, February to November. The Café and Exhibition close daily at 4.00pm.
Yes. The Workhouse is a Fáilte Ireland Tourist Information Point located on the Wild Atlantic Way. Our staff can help with local attractions, walking trails, family activities, accommodation, places to eat and maps of the area.
Yes. The Workhouse offers a Famine Exhibition with a self guided audio tour. The exhibition explores the history of the Workhouse,the famine period and the story of Wee Hannah Herrity, a local woman who survived the hardships of the time.
The audio tour is currently available in English. Transcripts are available in English, Irish, French, Italian, German and Spanish for visitors to use during the exhibition.
Yes. We welcome school groups and tour groups. To ensure we can meet your group’s needs, please contact our Heritage and Education Officer at dunfanaghyworkhousetours@gmail.com.
Yes. School visits can be arranged through our Heritage and Education Officer. Tours can be adapted to suit different age groups and learning needs.
Yes. The Workhouse has a small café located in one of the original reception buildings. It serves tea, coffee and baked treats. Savoury food is not available at this time, but our staff can recommend excellent places to eat nearby.
Yes. Our craft shop specialises in local and Irish crafts, books and gifts suitable for all ages. Many items are inspired by Irish heritage and local history.
Yes. The coffee shop, toilets, craft shop, cinema and part of the exhibition are located on the ground floor. An upper section of the exhibition is accessible by lift. If you have any specific accessibility questions, please contact us in advance.
Yes. The exhibition includes a children’s education corner focusing on the Dunfanaghy landscape and famine history. While the exhibition is not suitable for very young children, families can enjoy the café and playpark. We are happy to split tours so adults can visit the exhibition while younger children enjoy the playground.
At present, The Workhouse does not accept OPI Heritage Cards or One4All cards. We hope to offer additional payment options in the future.
Dunfanaghy offers a wide range of activities including beaches for walking, swimming and surfing, local surf schools and the Dunfanaghy Heritage Trail. As a Tourist Information Point, we can also recommend nearby attractions such as Doagh Famine Village and Glenveagh National Park.
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HOW TO GET HERE
By Car
The Workhouse is well signposted from the N56and is a short drive from the centre ofDunfanaghy. On site parking is available nearby,making it easy to stop in whether you are visitingfor an hour or spending the day.
By Bike or Foot
Dunfanaghy is a popular stop for cyclists and walkers exploring the Wild Atlantic Way. The Workhouse is easily accessible from the village and nearby walking routes, including the Dunfanaghy Heritage Trail which begins on site.
By Bus
Bus services operate to and from Dunfanaghy from nearby towns including Letter kenny. From the village, The Workhouse is a short walk or taxi journey. Our staff can assist with directions on arrival.
Group or Coach
Coach and group visits are welcome. If you are planning a group visit or require guidance on drop off points or access, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to assist.
